An artists rendition of what the new USB Type-C cable and port will look like (Source: Intel).

The USB Type-C Connector is a new design created to work with emerging product designs with smaller ports.

Unlike today's USB connectors, which requires a user to correctly orient the plug, USB 3.1 Type-C cable is reversible. Initially, the USB 3.1 Type-C specification will support up to 10Gbps data transfer speeds.

The new USB cable and plug is similar in size to existing USB 2.0 Micro-B plugs now used in some smartphones and other mobile accessories.

The Type-C connector and cable will support scalable power charging in order to grow with future USB bus performance requirements. The first iteration will have a 5 volt power transfer rate, but that is expected to deliver up to 100 watts for higher power applications.